Tuesday 24 May 2011 16.00 EDT
First published on Tuesday 24 May 2011 16.00 EDT

'You got the get out of the ghetto blues," sang Gil Scott Heron. And there is a lot of that about; people doing all sorts of things to get out from a down-at-heel estate, a down-at-heel life, or just to make that reality a little more bearable.

But there is another side to it. What about those who have reason to change trajectory, and the wherewithal to do it, but can't because that's what they have always known, that's where the family ties are strongest; that's where their mates are?

Let's talk about Nile Ranger, the 20-year-old Newcastle United striker who appeared in the Sun brandishing a replica pistol. For God's sake, you say. Here's a young man – a former robber – on the cusp of something better. Why is he risking that by larking about with types who mess with guns?

But life ain't that easy. When you are young, your friends are pretty much pre-destined. It depends on where you live, where you go to school, who your neighbours are, your closeness to relatives. Once the glue of friendship sets, that's pretty much it. And that's fine if the circle is upwardly mobile. But what if it is not? What to do if your talent at kicking a ball, or acting, or your academic achievements and then your income, set you apart from members of your circle. Cast them off? That's scary. They are all you've known. And where do your new friends come from?

I think sometimes of a one-time friend. We did everything together for a while and then, inexplicably — to me at least — he tried to rob a store. I remember thinking hard about what it meant. Where was his judgment? If he was prepared to go down like that, would he readily take me with him? Our association was never the same again.

I grew up in a suburb. And I don't know Nile Ranger or his situation. But I do suspect that quite a few gifted the chance of an altogether different kind of life still face a whole range of tough decisions.

Some associates provide genuine friendship and positive support. As for the others; nothing to do but cut the cord and get away.